September 1st: Part One: Back To L'Isle D'Orleans

Back To Orleans!

L'Isle de l'Orleans was called the "Island of Sorcerers" by mainland people because of the lights they used to see just above the water. They didn't realize that poachers were using these lights to see where they going and and what they were doing. The rumour spread about the 'sorcerers' and the name stuck.

Domaine De La Source a Marguerite

Owner Conrad Brillant was one of the most colourful persons that I have yet to meet. Standing tall with his black Stetson hat and rugged work clothes and boots, he presented a picture of success in defiance. He did not speak English---though judging from his profession as a banker this may have been a preference rather than an inability. However, his general demeanour was such that the character he presented overcame any language barrier that was presented. I liked him. In a way he reminded me of my friend Tino Fazio of Oshawa who spoke with a strong accent but was liked because of his colourful character.

Conrad told us that the name of the business comes from the fact that years ago there was a drought and a nun by the name of Marguerite came to the spot and knelt down and a spring started flowing ----magically. His vineyard is not far from that spring.

His vineyard was indeed magnificent in both its content and location on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. While visiting we saw many types of flora and fauna----one of which was a Bald Eagle that was nesting close by.

His vineyards are planted with red grape vines: Marechal Foch, Muscat, Leon Millot, Frontenac,

Dechaunac, Mitchurinetz (Russian), Sabrevois (New Hardy USA Grape) plus a list of numbered grape varieties : DM85, ES-5-1-7, ES-4-7-25. From these he produces a red wine by the name of his vineyard and his business. I enjoyed his wines and found his business quite interesting.

He also produces a Mistelle---grape juice fortified by alcohol (brandy) which produces a fine after dinner aperitif or singular sweet drink.

Grape wines are not the only source of products however. He does have various fruit products and ciders from 34 varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants and of course grapes. Also produced are jams and jellies.

The business has been active since 2001 and it seems that the success is just going to grow.

One thing about Conrad is that he is a great inventor and do it yourself person. I had first hand knowledge regarding a vine trimmer that he put together. I touched lightly the blades and so sharp were they that I cut my finger quite easily. I could imagine what would have happened if the blades were more tightly grabbed.

We had a great interview and photo session. Amazing what can be done if one does not get all hung up with semantics.

I truly enjoyed meeting Conrad and wish him every success in the future.

Cassis Mona et Fils

If Conrad was an inventor, Bernard Monna was a passionate artist. He was the first to produce Black Currant Wine and Creme de Cassis in Quebec. He found the area perfect for the growth of the currants. He also proved to be a fine artist, pottery maker and sculpture -----applying his art in his home. Bernard came from a family with a long history of liquor production in his native Southern France. A fourth generation liquorist, he fell in love with Quebec and decided to move there in the mid 1970's.

The tall lanky and soft spoken person looks too young to have two mature young ladies as daughters but Anne and Catherine are indeed beautiful and very capable ladies who are learning to take over the family business. They do so with passion also and ------with a certain pride in their father that is very evident. Catherine does the work of the winery and tractor driving while Anne handles the wine tasting and shows that market the wine. Both do their job very well and their disarming beauty (looks and genes that they obviously inherited from their father) certainly help them quite well.

Our first interview was with Anne in the boutique. We tasted different variations of their Cassis------all deliciously sweet. Each cassis had a different taste and useage: The 'Creme de Cassis' could be used on its own (delicious) or in making Kir (adding Cassis to white wine) or on top of fruit.

'Le Fruite' was lighter but equally delicious. It could be served on ice or as a Sangria along with a fine meal. 'Le Maderise' came with the flavourful unique blend of dates, roasted coffee and wood. Recommended was a match to dark chocolate. 'Capiteux' was more port like in its flavours with a nutty, vanilla and ripe plum/prune taste. Cheese such as Blue Cheese or even a cigar were recommended.

Lunch went very well as I had a delicious marinated chicken sandwich along with the famous fries and salad. The drink-----the Sangria from the Monna special recipe. After lunch we interviewed Mr. Monna in front of the Barn on which was one of his creations----a sculptured, rooster shapped weather vane. We spoke of his life in France and what brought him to Quebec. He did mention that he liked salmon fishing but he fell in love with the area.

Mr. Monna showed us his pottery art as well as some of his other sculptures. Anne brought out his unique artwork from his studio---which he said was a total disaster since he was looking after a rather disruptive canine for his friend. Going back and forth on the tractor was Christine who was working hard getting products ready for loading onto a van. She was heading for a show.

When she did get off and came over to shake my hand I was at once stunned by her good looks, youthful age (she looked much younger than her age) and strong grip. Obviously the two girls are their father's daughters.

Time came to say good bye to the Monna family and soon we were off to another filming destination.

Sainte Famille

We went by the Village of Sainte Famille which was one of the oldest established areas of the island. The church was an 18 Century masterpiece established in 1743 and was in a central location surrounded by the cemetary and a park errected in the honour of those ancestors of present day Sainte Famille and L'Isle d'Orleans. A quick photo session and then we were off to Montmorancy Falls.

Montmorency Falls

From the highway going towards and coming back from L'Ile D'Orleans, one can get a glimpse of Montmorency Falls. Located as part of the Montmorency River and within the park by the same name, this falls is huge. It is 98 feet higher than Niagara plus 150 feet wide. Given its name in 1613 by Samuel de Champlain, he named it after Henry Duke of Montmorency (Viceroy of New France from 1620 to 1625). The falls serves to attract many tourists and served as the location for the Ice Hotel----a hotel made totally of ice, including all furniture, beds and even some untensils such as cups/glasses.

We went to the base of the falls on our way back from Orleans and watched at the awesome site of water cascading down the cliff. Sharon remarked that the view was that much more spectacular since the heavy downpours the week before. Next to the falls but hidden from view is the other smaller falls with the sad legend of lost love and lost life. The legend which has been repeated by different persons and in slightly different manners is generally spoken of this way.

Louis was a soldier in love with Mathilde. The loved each other and he asked her father who was very aware of their love, for her hand in marriage. The father agreed and plans were made for the wedding. It was at that time (1759) that General Wolfe made an assault on the French at Montmorency Falls. The French repelled the attack and Mathilde, on hearing this news, happily went over to greet the victorious French. She found him dead----one of the casualties. So grief stricken was she that she went back to her home, put on her bridal gown and veil and went to the top of the falls from which she threw herself off. A similar story has her being left at the chapel waiting but the ending is the same. Her ghost is said to be seen by the pure in heart. Will ever have a chance to see it-------I wonder!!!!!!

It was time to head back to Quebec City. Roy took some pictures and video and then we were off to meet Richard Seguin for an interview on the boardwalk of Chateau Frontenac.

END OF PART ONE